Astorino said the county’s management focus for the year ahead would be for every commissioner and department head to relentlessly question whether the services they were delivering were essential, effective, and provided by those best positioned to deliver them.
“We start by rejecting the notion that less money has to mean less service, and we replace old thinking with new actions,” Astorino said. “The answer is not another government program. A big part of our problem is that we can’t afford the overhead of all of our existing programs, especially now when the state and federal governments are pulling back on their contributions. Future focus needs to be on self reliance and existing resources. That requires a new operating model energized by efficiency, common interests, new ideas and partnership.”
****************
****************
The County Executive's speech was compelling. Based on his assertions, SPI would like to ask you whether you believe that the Department of Parks and Recreation should be in the business of running an amusement park? Do you think that it is effective and best positioned to deliver these services?
The Question is not whether an amusement park should exist at Playland but whether it should managed and operated by the County. The County had commissioned study after study at tax-payer expense to consider the challenges facing Playland Park in previous years and the consultants always recommended a bigger picture perspective (see 2006 Master Plan) but a very narrow interpretation was always taken focusing on the amusement park only at the expense of all other aspects of Playland. Playland Park is a jewel not only because of its amusement rides but also because of its place in history with its proximity to the shoreline and diversity of entertainment options. The County Executive is right in saying that the park needs to be considered in a holistic fashion, but it remains to be seen whether there is the political will to give up control in the management of its affairs.
SPI maintains that in these economic times, we all need to work together as a community, regardless of political bias/affiliation. We all need to step up to do the right thing for our children and future generations.
